How to Care for Your Jewelry
25 September, 2025
25 September, 2025
Like anything else you may own, jewelry is prone to becoming dirty or tarnished. When that time comes, it is generally possible to clean the items yourself with a minimal amount of effort. However, there are a few rules of thumb that you should know before you take soap and scrub brush to your favorite gemstone, or harsh cleaning products to a gold or silver chain. Use these tips to help you get your most cherished jewelry clean and looking its best.
Don’t Immerse the Jewelry in Water
With a few exceptions, it is generally not a good idea to soak your jewelry items in water. It can cause the metals to tarnish and may damage gemstones as well. Instead, dip a soft brush like an old toothbrush in a solution of soap and water and use that to scrub the piece of jewelry.
Use Specialty Cleaning Products
In the case of many precious metals, you often get the best results when cleaning them with a cleaning solution designed specifically for that metal.When used properly, cleaning products are much less likely to damage the metal than all purpose cleaners or household cleaning solutions.
Some Jewels Need Special Care
Some pieces of jewelry have special instructions when it comes to cleaning. For example, pearls and some types of opals are notoriously finicky gems. Pearls need to be treated especially carefully, since they scratch easily. Many opals are extremely sensitive to water and should always be dried promptly after cleaning.
Be Careful out in the Environment
The best way to keep your jewelry clean is to avoid exposing it to dirt. Slip off your rings before digging in the garden and tuck your earrings into your pocket before going out in the rain or snow. A little preventative care can keep your jewelry clean and shining.
Let AAA Jewelry help you preserve your favorite items of jewelry by taking care of them now.